Island Excursion Without a Bicycle
Ruuhonsaaret, also known as Ruha, are a magnificent group of esker islands located on the border between the South Karelia and South Savo regions. Ruha is a popular excursion harbour among boaters and can also be reached aboard Rasti-lautta without your own boat. The excursion harbour features sandy beaches, a sauna, two barbecue shelters, several campfire sites, and plenty of space to find a peaceful spot for pitching a tent or hanging a hammock.
Excellent Destination for an Overnight Excursion
Ruuhonsaaret are an excellent destination for hikers who want to make the most of their island experience. Aboard Rasti-lautta, you can conveniently bring everything you need for an overnight stay, such as a tent or hammock, as well as food and drinking water. Upon arrival on the island, it is recommended to set up camp first and then begin exploring the island.
The northernmost part of Ruuhonsaari lies on the border between the South Karelia and South Savo regions, so during periods of low water it is possible to take a day hike from one region to the other while enjoying the island’s esker landscapes.
Rasti-lautta departs for Ruuhonsaari from the Sarviniemi Recreation Area, located at Suur-Saimaantie 2050, Taipalsaari. When visiting Sarviniemi, it is worth setting aside time to explore this magnificent recreation area, which is also a Saimaa Geopark destination.
Note! You have to bring your own food and water, as well you have to take your own tent or hammock for camping. Also be sure you enough water and food for the next day.
Formed by the Ice Age
Ruuhonsaari is a Saimaa Geopark destination that was formed approximately 11,500 years ago during the melting phase of the continental ice sheet, at the mouth of a glacial river along the ice margin. The island’s raised beach terraces bear witness to changes in the water level of Lake Saimaa following the Ice Age.
Journey to Ruuhonsaaret aboard Rasti-lautta
Rasti-lautta operates weekly services to Ruuhonsaari from 17 June to 7 August 2026 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with return journeys available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, the return service to Sarviniemi travels via Lintusalo (at no additional cost). During Midsummer week, Ruuhonsaari can be reached on Wednesday, 17 June, with the return service operating on Thursday, 18 June.
The return journey to Sarviniemi takes approximately 45 minutes on Thursdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, the return to Sarviniemi is available via Lintusalo Harbour, in which case the journey takes approximately 3 hours.
It is possible to continue from Ruuhonsaari to Lintusalo in Puumala only on Fridays and Saturdays, so if you stay on the island on a Wednesday, you should be prepared to spend at least two nights there. The ferry journey to Lintusalo takes approximately one hour.
The ferry journey from Sarviniemi to Ruuhonsaari takes approximately 45 minutes
Passengers travel on an open deck equipped with seating and a sun canopy
The ferry crew sells coffee, refreshments, and ice cream on board
NOTE! In unexpected situations, please contact the Rasti-lautta crew directly at +358 50 554 9337 (the number is answered only while the ferry is in operation).
